Prince Charles Has A Hobbit Birthday In NZ

Prince Charles has spent part of his 64th birthday visiting Lord Of The Rings director Sir Peter Jackson's workshop.

The Prince Of Wales is touring New Zealand with his wife Camilla as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

He was shown costumes and props of the film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which has its world premiere in Wellington next week.

Actor Mark Hadlow who plays Dori, one of the dwarfs in the film, dropped to his knees and offered to be the Prince's servant.

"Your Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, I am Dori the dwarf and on this special day your birthday, I offer myself at the request of Sir Peter Jackson for you to command as you see fit, your servant Dori," he said.

The Prince also watched on as actor Peter Hambleton, who plays the Dwarf Gloin in the new film, had his make-up applied.

Charles and Camilla who have taken in Papua New Guinea and Australia leave New Zealand on Friday November 16.